 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6 Sometimes we forgot that we're a work in progress. We see ourselves - each little blemish, all the things we don't like - and think we don't measure up. The truth is, God's work in us isn't done. He has way more to show us about ourselves and how he made us his masterpieces. Maybe, as that work continues, we might even realize mistakes.
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 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
"'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes?'" - Matthew 21:42 The cornerstone is the most important part of a building. It's the first stone laid. All the other stories reaching out from that first one are guided by it. The two walls that stretch out from it are determined by it. It anchors the rest of the building. Jesus is the cornerstone. Have you rejected him or are you letting him anchor you, guide you, and hold you up?  "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 Did you receive something awesome as a Christmas gift? You might be thinking of the latest gadget or clothes or whatever, but that's not the gift. What you receive was freedom. Christ came to set us free. What we do with that freedom is up to us. One of Jesus' friends has a suggestion for that freedom. Use it to serve others. Try doing that today.  "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." - Matthew 13:44
Have you ever been treasure hunting? Maybe when you were little you would play in a sandbox, or you would go exploring in someplace you've never been hoping to find something new? There are always places we search in life to find our deepest desires. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like that treasure we're searching for. It's the spark of life, the joy we week, the fulfillment we need to keep going. Are you searching for that in God's kingdom today?  "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." - Deuteronomy 31:8 It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go our way. In the middle of winter, just after Christmas, it seems like Summer is a long way off. Maybe that's a good reminder for us, though. While we have a time of bare trees and cold wind, God goes ahead of us, preparing a season of growth. But in the time, remind yourself, you are not alone. God will never fail you.  "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." - Matthew 21:22 Sometimes our first reaction to our problems is to call a friend and talk it through. That's not all bad. What do you think life would be like if you prayed first, then called a friend later? Are you willing to find out?  The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken - who can change his plant? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?" - Isaiah 14:27 God has plans for his people. That means he has a plan for you. It's a good plan. Nobody can stop it, hold it back, or divert it. Are you willing to follow it?  "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." - Proverbs 4:25 How easy is it for our minds to wander? We start out focused and intent on our day, then life happens. It's just too easy sometimes to be pulled along the current of our worlds into constant distraction. Choose today to be focused, even if only for a while, on God and his direction. You'll have a better day for it.  "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5 In our simple world, we are easily overcome. It could be that we run out of time, or the traffic lights don't help us any, or our friends don't understand us. Jesus is never overcome. He chases away any darkness he sees. Spend some time in the light today, and let God overcome your problems.  "Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip." - Isaiah 60:4 Every day dawns for us to see it. To experience it in all its fullness for believers, it's a day of promise. It's OUR promise to become closer to our Lord and to experience him more. Make today special by looking for God's presence around you rather than looking at the presents he has given you. |
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